GLBT Best Bets Calendar 7/2-7/7

GLBT communities (and their allies) across the nation had reason to celebrate last week with the two Supreme Court case decisions. While the legal entanglements are still being sorted out for Tennessee same-sex couples married in other states, the federal recognition of marriage in 13 states olus the Distric of Columbia is complements a week where we celebrate the birth of our nations perfectly. Check out your weekly GLBT Best Bets below:

Kicking off tonight (and every Tuesday) is Drag Bingo at Mad Donna's. Several queens host but it's definitely worth checking out to see Veronika Elektronika and Nashville Untucked's own Paige Turner. Bingo starts around 9 p.m. (c'mon it's hosted by drag queens they have to tuck) and advance reservations can be made by contacting Mad Donna's.

Also, dancing queens rejoice as the ABBA tribute takes the stage at The Schermerhorn Symphony Center July 2. If you love ABBA, you don’t want to miss this musical extravaganza celebrating one of the best-selling groups in the history of music! Featuring original members of the band’s rhythm section, ABBA the Concert will survey their incredible career, with a dynamic vocal quartet singing all your favorite songs, from “Dancing Queen” to “S.O.S.” to “Mamma Mia” — all enhanced by the incredible sound of the Nashville Symphony. This tribute show is so authentic, you’ll swear you’re seeing the real thing!

Family-friendly film alert: Despicable Me 2 arrives in theaters July 3. The sequel lacks in the 3-D department, although if you choose 3-D stick around for the credits, the most spectacular 3-D images happen when the credits roll. While the sequel loses some of the original's steam (that may be because the delightful minions are morphed into purple beasts half way through the film), Kristen Wiig is a pleasant addition to the film. Here's to a full minion film!

Fireworks are happening across town on July 4th as Nashville Celebrates with its 2 day event, Let Freedom Sing. The main stage boasts Keb' Mo' and The Band Perry on July 4th and an always entertaining Ten out of Tenn. For a full list of the schedule events click here.

The Music City Sisters are making fireworks of their own this week. Canvas Lounge hosts the 2nd Music City Sister's Night July 4th. This monthly event raises money for a selected organization. July's beneficiary is the GLSEN Jumpstart Middle Tennessee team. The event takes place from 7 – 9 p.m..

Also check out the 2013 Music City Hot Chicken Festival July 4th, starting at 11 a.m. in East Park (700 Woodland St). Now a tradition associated with July 4 festivities in Nashville, enjoy food from local restaurants, amateur cooking competition, inflatable jumpys for the kids, the Yazoo Brewery beer garden, and of course, legendary Nashville music. Free event; more information here.

Watch out Nashville, MNSA takes over this weekend with their Annual MNSA Softball Classic taking place July 5- 7. Teams from across the nation will descend upon Tribe Friday, July 5 for the registration mixer. Saturday and Sunday, teams will play at Mundy Memorial Park in Mount Juliet starting at 8 a.m.. And Saturday night, with bats and balls in tow, teams will pack the dance floor at Play. If it's anything like Miss MNSA, it's bound to be a great party.

Softball too sweaty for ya? Then catch the opening weekend of Southern Baptist Sissies starting July 5 and running through July 13. Portion of the proceeds from ticket sales benefits OutCentral. You can catch our exclusive feature with the cast of SBS here.

"I'm every woman . . . it's all in me . . ." Yes the one and only Chaka Khan takes the stage with the Nashville Symphony for an evening of hits at The Schermerhorn Symphony Center July 6. Tickets are still available or why not try to win a pair here.

How about some comedy July 6? Then check out Paulina Combow and Mary Jay Berger when they bring back their variety show, Comedy Pug Hugs, to Café Coco. The show will include sketches, standup and improv by the duo, along with some special guests. Showtime is 7:30 p.m.. Visit comedypughugs.com for more information.

The Music City Sister's are all over town this week. Their Annual Soak-a-Sister takes place at Stirrup Sunday July 7. Just imagine make-up, veils and water joining forces with a $10 Beer Bust and you know it's probably the coolest place to be all weekend long. Event starts at 2 p.m. and you can RSVP here.

In the mood for a movie Sunday night, then check out the Nashville premiere of the GLBT film StudZmen. The film will premiere Sunday July 7 at the Carmike Throughbred Cinema in Franklin. The event which will feature a performance fro Elite Noel from the BET show Frankie and Neffe​. Tickets are $13 and can be purchased here. For more information or to RSVP, click here to visit the event's Facebook page.

Plan Ahead

Lesbian Film Night Special Screening of Edie and Thea: A Very Long Engagement July 9; event kicks off at 5:30 p.m. at OutCentral.